2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid vs 2026 Lexus TX

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid was offered in four trim levels: SEL, SEL Premium, Limited, and Calligraphy. Each trim level exuded style and presence, with even the base SEL trim featuring 18-inch alloy wheels and a massive grille framed by LED projector headlights. The Palisade's profile was enhanced by body-color, heated side mirrors, with higher trims adding power-folding and auto-dimming features. The rear of the Palisade was equally striking, with wide-spaced letters spelling the vehicle’s name and stacks of LED taillights. Inside, the Palisade impressed with H-Tex synthetic leatherette upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and a rich feeling of craftsmanship, offering a more luxurious experience than many non-luxury crossovers.

The 2026 Lexus TX was available in various trims, with the 550h+ plug-in hybrid standing out due to its standard panoramic glass roof and Matador Red Mica paint. The TX featured a large grille, sharp bi-LED headlights, and rear LED lighting spanning the vehicle's width. Inside, the TX offered multi-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and a spacious third row with recline function. However, the material quality fell short of luxury standards, with basic plastics scattered throughout. The redesigned door handles were a unique touch, but some might have preferred more attention to detail in the cabin.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors and a 1.65-kWh battery, producing a total of 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the Palisade to deliver impressive performance, aided by an advanced eight-speed automatic transmission and next-generation hybrid system. The Palisade's powertrain was optimized for efficiency, with the ability to adjust power distribution for better handling. Inside, the cabin was quiet and free from noise and vibration, thanks to noise-absorbing carpet and acoustic glass. The steering was sharp, though the pedal feel was a bit soft.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid generated 404 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system. It offered multiple drive options, including electric-only, hybrid, and gas-only modes, along with Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom drive modes. The TX provided a quiet and smooth ride, with a suspension that absorbed bumps and potholes effectively. The AWD system could distribute power between the front and rear wheels, and a Trail Mode helped maintain traction on slippery surfaces. The TX was well-suited for long road trips, offering a comfortable and stable driving experience.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid offered 86.7 cubic feet of total cargo capacity, trailing some competitors but surpassing others like the Ford Explorer and Nissan Pathfinder. The second-row legroom was slightly compromised due to the battery's position, but the third row offered decent space with a maximum legroom of 33.6 inches in the Calligraphy trim. The Palisade's cabin was comfortable, with three-zone climate control and multiple USB-C power outlets. It came standard with seating for seven, with an option for a second-row bench to increase occupancy to eight. The Palisade also featured numerous storage solutions for smaller items.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ offered standard luxury features like multi-zone climate control and heated seats. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom. The second row featured a one-touch button for easy access to the third row, though folding the seats flat was more complicated. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The TX provided excellent cargo space, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97 cubic feet with the second row folded. All TX models could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, supporting HD and Sirius XM satellite radio, wireless Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The Limited and Calligraphy trims added a 14-speaker Bose stereo and a built-in dashcam. A 15-watt wireless charging pad was standard, though it could overheat on warm days. The Palisade also introduced "Stay Mode," allowing the climate control and infotainment system to run while the gas engine was off.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured a 14-inch touchscreen, though some features lacked polish, such as the inability to manually input satellite radio stations. The steering wheel buttons were multi-functional but confusing to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues occurred. The TX offered a clear back-up camera with an available bird’s-eye view and Advanced Park system. With seven USB ports and wireless charging, the TX ensured devices stayed charged, and the second row had an available 120-volt outlet for larger items.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid came standard with a suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection. The blind-view monitor was standard on the SEL Premium and up, and the rear doors featured a safe-exit alert indicator. At the time of writing, the Palisade had not been crash-tested by major safety organizations.

The 2026 Lexus TX included Safety System+ 3.0 as standard, featuring forward collision warning, Lane Tracing Assist, lane departure warning, and traffic sign recognition. Proactive Driving Assist was also included, though it could be intrusive. The adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, though it was initially confusing to operate. The TX 350 and 500h earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA, while the IIHS gave the TX a mix of "Acceptable" and "Good" scores in crash tests.